Protecting Yourself and Your Home

Seniors are living longer and more independently than ever before. We all need and want a feeling of security in the safety of our homes. Your home should be a safe haven. Most burglaries occur during daylight hours and many intruders gain access through open or poorly secured doors and windows.

Here are some precautions you can take to keep you and your home safe.

Install solid, easy-to-use locks on your doors and windows, including sliders and garage.

Use deadbolt locks on all the doors.

Don't hide extra keys under the doormats or in planters, etc.-leave an extra set with a neighbor or friend.

Install a peephole and make sure you use it.

Never open the door to strangers. If a stranger asks to use your phone, offer to make the call for them.

Ask service technicians or care providers you don't know for ID before you open the door.

Keep your home well lit at night, inside and out.

Draw the curtains and blinds at night.

Protecting Yourself in the Community

As our population ages and the number of senior citizens continues to increase, seniors have more and more opportunities to participate in civic groups, health programs, travel activities and entertainment.

Use these tips to increase your personal security in the community.

Do your activities in pairs-have a companion for shopping, walking, etc.

Carry a small purse or bag, not one with a strap that can easily be cut or grabbed.

Carry your purse close to your body..

Always keep the doors and window locked in your car.

Don't leave your purse or packages on the seat beside you-put them on the floor or in your trunk.

When returning to your car check the front and back seats before entering.

Protecting Yourself Against Fraud and Scams

Each year billions of dollars are lost to fraudulent activities. Telemarketing, health care, home equity and home improvement fraud and identity theft are just a few of the scams conducted over the phone, by mail, through the internet and door-to-door. Seniors are often targets as criminals focus on their vulnerabilities.

Here are some guidelines to help ensure the safety of your assets.

Never give out your Social Security, credit card or bank account numbers.

Destroy personal information on documents before discarding them-use a shredder if possible

Do not agree to any home improvement or sales contract until you verify the existence and reputation of the business. Be sure all contractors you hire are licensed, bonded and insured.

Have a lawyer or someone you trust examine any document before you sign it.

Don't give money to a charitable organization until you verify its legitimacy by contacting the Attorney General's Office. Legitimate organizations do not require immediate response and should provide information by mail.

Never send cash in the mail, or allow anyone to pick up a check at your home.

Telemarketing Fraud

When you send money to people you do not know personally or give personal or financial information to unknown callers, you increase your chances of becoming a victim of telemarketing fraud.

Here are some warning signs of telemarketing fraud—what a caller may tell you:

“You must act ‘now’ or the offer won’t be good.”

When you send money to people you do not know personally or give personal or financial information to unknown callers, you increase your chances of becoming a victim of telemarketing fraud.

“You’ve won a ‘free’ gift, vacation, or prize.” But you have to pay for “postage and handling” or other charges.

“You must send money, give a credit card or bank account number, or have a check picked up by courier.” You may hear this before you have had a chance to consider the offer carefully.

“You don’t need to check out the company with anyone.” The callers say you do not need to speak to anyone including your family, lawyer, accountant, local Better Business Bureau, or consumer protection agency.

“You don’t need any written information about the company or their references.”

“You can’t afford to miss this ‘high-profit, no-risk’ offer.”

If you hear these or similar “lines” from a telephone salesperson, just say “no thank you” and hang up the telephone.

Reminder there is a Prescription Drug Drop Box in the Police Department Front Lobby